Consumer News

Spotlight on Safety: Avoid Dangerous Driving in Treacherous Snow

December 02, 2010

So, Jack Frost has begun making guest appearances across the country, from rain, sleet, and snow in the West; to region-surprising snowstorms in the Pacific Northwest; severe weather in the Deep South; and rain- and snowstorms in the Northeast. Here in Los Angeles, we count our blessings for very few instances of torrential rain, but when the rainstorms hit our area, it can be devastating for freeway commuters.

The Automobile Association of America has published an informative booklet called “How to Go in Ice and Snow” that provides driving techniques to help control a vehicle in slippery conditions, tips on how react to a skid, steering and braking techniques and more. Carefully reading this informative booklet can help drivers avoid situations like those demonstrated in the video above.

In areas where you may experience some light snows, AAA suggests that motorists should ensure their tires have at least an M&S rating (which means they provide the added traction required in light to moderate snow). In areas that get heavy snowfall, tires designed for such conditions are advised and can be identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol molded into the tire sidewall. Snow tires and tire chains provide added traction, and may be required by local laws during the winter driving season or under certain road conditions. For best results, snow tires should be fitted to all four wheels.

When cars are bouncing around on snowy streets like pinballs in an arcade game, it’s just best to stay inside. However, if driving is absolutely necessary, practice the following tips:

Practice gentle acceleration and braking to maintain consistent traction; if your wheels begin to spin, release the accelerator until traction returns. If your vehicle begins to slide or skid, DO NOT PANIC!

If the rear wheels lose traction, look down the road in the direction you want to go and gently steer in that direction. Do not slam on the brakes, as that will upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to gain control. When the rear wheels stop skidding, continue to steer gently to avoid a rear-wheel skid in the opposite direction. Over-correcting and panic maneuvers can hinder your ability to regain control.

If the front wheels lose traction, it will be much harder to steer the vehicle. (Front-wheel skids are caused by hard braking or acceleration if your vehicle has front-wheel drive.) In a front-wheel skid, look down the road in the direction you want to go and gently steer in that direction. Do not slam on the brakes. Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again; when traction returns, the vehicle will start to steer again so steer the wheels gently in the desired direction of travel.

Practically every automaker offers electronic traction and stability control systems to assist drivers in such treacherous conditions. Though they all use different trade names to describe their electronic traction and stability control systems, these stability systems all function to help the driver maintain control in curves and turns — especially in wet or slippery conditions — by detecting when the vehicle begins to slip and reducing the throttle and applying the brakes to individual wheels to help correct the vehicle’s orientation. Traction systems also prevent the vehicle’s drive wheels from spinning while accelerating under slippery conditions.

In inclement weather like this, be sure to increase following distances on ice and snow. Be sure you leave at least eight to 10 seconds (if not more) between yourself and vehicle in front of you when driving in slippery conditions to give you ample response time to road and weather hazards.

Practice safe winter driving techniques to avoid starring in your own version of the video above!